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Based on one of the most successful studio mics released by AKG, the C 414 model, and using all the feedback that during 30 years they have received from its users (maybe they could release a new version earlier, but…), AKG has released the C 214 Condenser Recording Mic, that includes some of the features of the models which is based on and some improvements that does not make it a expensive mic affordable only for big studios.

This mic is specially good for vocals and miking instruments or amps, both in stage and studio, and comes with a shock mount and a carrying case. The AKG C 214 Recording Mic will be available after the AES show and its price will be $600.

The German company Sennheiser has released another one of their exclusive products, this time a studio mic based on the MKH 800 model, which main feature is the ability of switching polar pattern without any switch and after the recording using 2 capsules (positioned on the front and the back), but the Sennheiser MKH 800 Twin Mic adds another interesting feature and additional output to record both capsules and select the best on the mixing.

The main specifications of the Sennheiser MKH 800 Twin Mic are condenser multi-pattern (omni-directional, cardioid and figure-8) type, symmetric capsule positioning, low noise and distortion, up to 50 kHz frequency response, +48V phantom power and many more. The mic comes with a shock mount unit and a very slim and compact design, ideal for little studios.

This mic is the perfect complement for the orchestra’s, surround 5.1 or even film recordings, but one of this high quality mics will not be affordable for everyone, the MSRP of the Sennheiser MKH 800 Twin Mic is $3,356, by the way it will be available before the month ending.

Sennheiser has released a new shot gun mic model with a very compact size that has been designed for being attached to cameras, but the Sennheiser MKE 400 Mic can be also used with portable recorders that have a mic input, so it can be a great tool for capturing sound wherever you are, with or without a camera.

The mic is powered by a single AAA battery that provides up to 300 hours of battery life and comes with integral shock-mount and a foam windshield. The Sennheiser MKE 400 Mic is now available and its price is $200.

The electronics division of Marshall continues releasing very interesting products, this new one is the first USB mic that can record in 24/96 audio quality without needing an external A/D converter, the internal converter and all the components of the MXL USB.009-24 Condenser Mic provide a high quality sound to convert it in one of the most interesting USB mics in the market.

The specifications of the MXL USB.009-24 Condenser Mic are cardioid polar pattern, 24-bit and 96 kHz recording quality, 32 mm pressure gradient condenser capsule, gold sputtered diaphragm, 114 dB dynamic range and gain and mix (to blend between the mic and the playback signals) controls. A strange feature of the mic is that it has a headphone output in the mic itself, with even a headphone level control, for monitoring tasks.

This mic is a true plug and play device, you only need to plug it in your Windows or Mac computer and no need of drivers or extra configuration. The MXL USB.009-24 Condenser Mic will be available this spring and the minimum advertised price is $400.

This product will be soon in many home studios or podcast bloggers desktops, Audio-Technica has released an USB version of their affordable condenser mic, the AT2020 model. The Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Mic provides clear and natural sound isolating the unwanted sources resulting a high-quality tone.

This USB mic comes with tripod desk stand, pivoting stand mount and USB cable and is compatible with Windows and Mac OS operating systems. The Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Mic will be available on March and its MSRP price will be $250.

The new release by JZ Microphones is a compact and good looking mic, JZ Microphones The Black Hole Mic, that comes with some innovative features like the multi-pattern format or opposite placed large capsules that will fit in many studios.

Lauten Audio will be on the Winter NAMM show from this month and in their booth we could find, among other products, their 3 new mic models Lauten Audio LT-381, FC-357 and ST-221, that covers almost all the studio miking tasks possible.

The Lauten Audio LT-381 is a condenser mic that features dual-diaphragm capsule, NOS pentode input and triode output circuit, variable omni, cardioid and figure-8 polar patterns, 20Hz to 20KHz frequency response and 7-pin XLR and 3-Pin Standard XLR outputs. This product have been designed as a vocal mic because it reproduces almost every audio detail.

The last product is the Lauten Audio ST-221 a condenser mic with NOS vacuum tube circuit, pressure gradient condenser, cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns (with interchangeable capsules), 20Hz to 20KHz frequency response and 7-pin XLR and 3-pin standard XLR outputs. This mic is great for drum miking tasks but also works with string instruments and pianos.

All this mics, that come with flight case, will be available this summer but their prices have to be announced yet.

Nady has finished their second effort on USB mics, after the release of the USB-24M mic they are now introducing the Nady USB-1C Condenser Mic, a condenser mic with a better design than its predecessor that will be very helpful for computer-based vocal or acoustic instruments recording tasks and for podcasters, as well.

The mic comes with a 10″ USB cable and a mic basemount and optional Sony ACID Music Studio 7 recording software that includes effects and loops that will allow you to create your own compositions. The Nady USB-1C Condenser Mic is now available and its price is $150.

If you are looking for a special sound for your studio or any other task you should take a look at the new Marek mic, a hand-built tube mic that provides a warm and transparent sound specially good for acoustic instruments, piano or drum kits. The Marek KS3 Tube Mic has been designed and built in Germany, even the most important parts of the mic have also been built in Germany, let’s take a look at the features.

This mic comes with shockmount and 5-year warranty, but it will probably last longer because of the high quality components used in the construction. The Marek KS3 Tube Mic availability and price have to be announced yet.

The new release of Brauner Microphones has been based on an existing model, the Phantom C mic, but this new mic is a limited edition product to celebrate their 10th anniversary. The Brauner Phantom Classic Condenser Mic design is the same than its normal edition version but includes some different features.

This mic offers a natural sound that can be applied to a wide range of applications. The Brauner Phantom Classic Condenser Mic approximate price will be $1,399 but its availability has to be announced yet.